Roberts: Ohtani is more engaged with teammates
ANAHEIM >> Nobody has ever questioned Dave Roberts' optimism, as the Dodgers manager continues to see a path forward in order to turn the difficult Shohei Ohtani situation into a positive.
After saying Monday that the team has rallied around Ohtani as he deals with alleged fraud tied to his former interpreter, as well as an Orange County bookmaker, Roberts said he is seeing a more engaged Ohtani now that Ippei Mizuhara no longer is in the clubhouse.
Mizuhara, Ohtani's interpreter, was fired by the Dodgers last week after saying he made bets on sporting events outside of baseball and used Ohtani's money to do it. MLB has opened an investigation into the matter with questions mounting on how as much as $4.5 million could have disappeared from Ohtani's account without the star player realizing it.
Ohtani moved to tell his side of the story on Monday. When asked Tuesday about Ohtani not having his former confidant around, Roberts said that when it comes to the clubhouse, there have been positive signs in a short time.
“You know what, actually, I would argue that it's going to help relations internally because there is no longer a buffer,” Roberts said. “I've already seen it. The last couple of days, I think Shohei has been even more engaging with his teammates and I think there is only upside with that.”
Will Ireton will be Ohtani's interpreter going forward, but the versatile Dodgers employee won't be as inseparable from Ohtani as Mizuhara was.
Mizuhara shadowed Ohtani everywhere during his six seasons with the Angels — in the training room, on the mound during pitching coach visits, even onto the field during bench-clearing brawls. They also spent ample time together away from the ballpark.
Teammates and opponents alike have said over the years that Ohtani understands plenty of English, but doesn't always feel comfortable speaking it — just like many second-language learners.
How Ohtani carries himself moving forward will be something that will be analyzed ad nauseum.
Roberts called Ohtani savvy enough to not need somebody at his side every moment, even when it comes to making in-game adjustments.
“I think he's very capable (and) he's been around baseball long enough,” Roberts said. “I think it's naturally going to happen, but if he needs assistance or support, he has it. He knows that.”
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